The dynamic-expressive styling of the GLC Coupé concept has become a reality with the new GLC Coupé and comes across in the design idiom of the car, with its distinctive basic structure and stretched greenhouse, virtually unchanged into series production. At the same time, the sports car among Mercedes-Benz’s mid‑size SUVs impresses with its brand-typical safety, modern assistance systems and an especially sporty and dynamic character.
The standard sports suspension as well as more direct sports steering, DYNAMIC SELECT and 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive with 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission combine effortlessly superior ride comfort with decidedly sporty agility. Two suspension variants with continuously adjustable damping are optionally available: the new Dynamic Body Control with steel springing as well as the already familiar Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension. Both options make for further enhanced driving dynamics and comfort.
The combination of multifunctional SUV and emotively appealing coupé constitutes a skillful fusion of emotion and intelligence. With an exterior length of 4.73 meters, a height of 1.60 meters and a wheelbase of 2.87 meters, the GLC Coupé is dynamic and compact in appearance. This makes the Coupé almost eight centimeters longer and some four centimeters lower than the multi-talented GLC, with which it shares its basic architecture.
The GLC Coupé owes its distinct character to the diamond radiator grille and a restyled, dropping roofline. The A-pillar is less steeply raked, while the continuation of the roof outline is lower, terminating in the elegantly flowing, muscular rear end typical of a coupé. The rear window dispenses with a wiper, as the airflow does not break away until after the spoiler lip, which means that water is unable to strike the rear window.
The innovative headlamp concept, optionally in LED high performance technology, sports the now characteristic Mercedes-Benz light signature. A striking injection of sports car genes is provided by the large lateral air inlets.
The perfection with which the intrinsically opposed design worlds of coupé and SUV have been brought into harmony is revealed by the side view of the 1.60-meter-high GLC Coupé with its typical, stretched roofline of a sports coupé. The squat greenhouse blends in perfectly with the side of the vehicle to underline its coupé character. The interplay between high beltline and wide shoulders results in proportions that lend the GLC Coupé its dynamic looks. This interaction is given added emphasis by the drawn-in waist between the dropping line and the lower, rearwards ascending light-catching contour.
A clear clue to the vehicle’s distinctive SUV heritage is given by the optionally available side running boards. Flush with the outer edge of the body, wide wheels up to a size of 50.8 centimeters (20 inches) together with ample ground clearance underpin the GLC Coupé’s sporty-dynamic ambitions on unpaved tracks and unsurfaced roads.
Following the exterior design philosophy, the interior welcomes the occupants with typical coupé flair and a high-grade ambience. The design idiom combines sensual purity with dynamic sportiness while embodying a convincing interpretation of modern luxury. Distinctive stylistic elements of the GLC Coupé are the dashboard and the center console with its flowing lines, a large, one-piece console panel making an elegant sweep below the semi-integrated media display from the center air vents to the armrest. These clear lines give a feeling of spaciousness while conveying pure modernity.
The optionally available AMG Line Interior provides a clear commitment to even greater dynamism and sportiness. This package includes, for example, sports seats with upholstery in Artico man-made leather/Dinamica microfiber with the option of sports seats with bi-color look leather upholstery.
The new GLC Coupé comes as standard with sports suspension including Dynamic Select with the five transmission modes Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. Dynamic Body Control sports suspension with steel springing and adjustable damping is optionally available. Also with this option, Dynamic Select allows the driver to adapt the individual character of the vehicle.
The new GLC Coupé is available in a total of eight model variants: customers can choose between four diesel and four petrol engines, including a plug-in hybrid as well as a powerful Mercedes-AMG model. The entry-level models are the four-cylinder diesel-engine GLC 220 D and GLC 250 D 4MATIC coupé with outputs ranging from 125 kW (170 hp) to 150 kW (204 hp) as well as the four-cylinder petrol engine GLC 250 4MATIC coupé rated at 155 kW (211 hp). Market launch will be in the autumn with these engine line-ups. Further models will follow at the end of 2016.
